Confessions Of An Over Thinker

“If everything is a priority then nothing is a priority”

I understand the quote above, it makes sense to me. But how do you define a priority? Certainly, finding a job is a priority for me but so is maintaining this blog, going to the gym and redoing my bedroom. Trying to get it all done and make each thing a priority usually leads to over thinking. For example, if I don’t send this résumé but go to the gym, will I miss out on an amazing job opportunity? If I don’t move my furniture tonight, my room won’t get painted, but then I can’t go to the gym. You get the picture.

I am the definition of an over thinker. I think and think, over-analyzing every detail until I’m comfortable with the decision I’ve reached. Mind you, I do this with everything, from big decisions like buying a car to little things like how I worded something in a text message to a friend. My constant over thinking usually leads to unnecessary stress and anxiety. I’ll lay in bed at night obsessing about what I did and didn’t do during the day. After one such night of obsession, I began to think about why I’m an over thinker. I wrote out a problem/solution list in order to figure out this other thinking issue I have.

Problem: I care too much. Most of the time, I over think things because I care too much about the person or situation. I become overly concerned and worry that I’m offending someone or ruining a relationship.

 Solution: Well, for starters, to care just a little less. I also need to remind myself that the people in my life will understand and appreciate my honesty. Being upfront with people will always be the best way to a handle a difficult situation.

Problem: I try to make everything a priority. It’s part of my superwoman tendency, thinking I can get everything done in one day. From the minute I wake up, my mind starts to race, quickly filling up with a to-do list that is nowhere near realistic.

Solution: Rome wasn’t built in a day, right? My new goal is to write down five things I’m going to get accomplished during the day. Everything after that is a bonus. Hopefully, this way, I won’t spend my time trying to figure out how it will all get done. Luckily, most things can wait until tomorrow.

While I am a overthinker, some of the best moments in my life have come from being spontaneous. I’m going to use those moments as my constant reminder to stop over thinking and just live my life.

Tagged: Advice, Confessions, Life lessons, Overthinking, Priorities